Kruse, Ward, Bankes elected to Thompson school board

Paul Bankes, Barb Kruse and Lori Hvizda Ward were elected Tuesday to serve the next four years on the Thompson School District Board of Education.

Kruse, who won 99 percent of the vote, was the only candidate facing opposition. For her seat, District F, Lynn Greer ran as a write-in candidate, and she stayed out of the public eye during the months leading to the election.

"I'm very excited about the idea of being able to move forward, getting involved," said Kruse.

"I'm just looking forward to being fully involved in the community."

Paul Bankes

Kruse is a longtime educator who worked for the Thompson School District for 30 years and as a literacy coach and consultant beyond that. She currently teaches reading at the University of Northern Colorado as an adjunct professor.

Bankes, who also worked for the district for many years before launching a second career as a financial adviser, was the sole candidate for District B.

"My focus and thoughts have really been on getting started, on getting to know my new board members and collaborating with them," Bankes said after the first round of election results came in Tuesday.

"I'm looking forward."

Hvizda Ward was the only incumbent running as both Carl Langner and Bryce Carlson declined to run for second terms on the board. The current board president, Hvizda Ward, fills the District E seat.

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All three board members have said they want to help the district find ways to address growth, handle needed maintenance, retain teachers and boost student achievement despite the need for budget cuts caused by shortfalls in state funding. Short of new taxes for a mill levy override or bond issue, both which failed in the November 2016 election the district faces cuts.

Once the election results are certified, likely by the end of November, Bankes, Hvizda Ward and Kruse will be sworn in for their four-year terms.

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